The Old Butcher's Shop B&B

Welcome to the Old Butcher's Shop, Orford, home to Sarah Holland and her two cats, Pushkin and Poppy. Built in 1830, the house is a listed building in the centre of the conservation area of the village of Orford.

Set in the heart of the Suffolk Heritage Coast Orford is a historical gem. Once a thriving port, the gradual silting up of the river has left it a quiet village of brick and timber houses on the estuary of the river Alde. A 12th century royal castle and fine Norman church dominate the skyline.

The village is a perfect place to relax. There are wonderful walks, boat trips on the Ore estuary, with visits to the RSPB's Havergate Island for bird lovers. Bicycles can be hired from the local garage and there are riding stables close by. There are two pubs, two fish smokeries, the renowned Butley Oysterage fish restaurant and the Crown and Castle hotel, run by cookery writer Ruth Watson with its highly rated Trinity restaurant.

Orford is less than five miles from the world famous Britten Concert Hall at Snape Maltings, home to the Aldeburgh music festival. A little further afield is Aldeburgh, which has its own summer theatre season and literary festival in the autumn, not to mention the sea and many restaurants and shops. The village is perfectly sited for visiting Woodbridge, Framlingham, Southwold, Dunwich and the RSPB sanctuary at Minsmere.

The Old Butcher's shop still contains the original butcher's shop which is run as a card and gift shop by Sarah Holland and the former abattoir behind the house is now the kitchen. The shop sells works by local artists and a range of cards and prints linked to the local museum which is housed in the castle.

There are three bed and breakfast rooms, which are all comfortably furnished. There is a small courtyard behind the house where guests can have breakfast outside in the summer and a large garden with fine views of the church. There is free parking in the market square almost opposite the house.